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Alverno’s Frankie Russo passes away. He was 48.

It’s with deep regret I inform you the passing of Alverno athletic director and softball coach Frank Russo. He was 48.

Frank suffered a stroke Friday and was admitted to Verdugo Hills Hospital. He died Sunday afternoon.

Frank is survived by his father, Frank Sr., his mother, Carmela and his brother, Anthony.

Frank was the school’s softball coach for 19 years and reached the CIF playoffs in all but one season, winning the CIF title in 2004. Frank received Star-News Coach of the Year honors in 2003.

Ann Gillick, Alverno’s head of school, had a meeting with the softball team moments ago and they held a small service for Frank. Gillick said she will have a meeting tomorrow night to discuss who will take over as coach. Alverno will not practice today and resume tomorrow. They have a preseason game Saturday.

“Yesterday I was able to see him about five minutes before he died,” Gillick said. “He is very much loved. We had a prayer service and I just met with the softball team a couple minutes ago. They loved him so much but best of all he was the best role model I’ve ever seen in my entire life, and that’s the truth.”

“I am at absolute loss for words at this moment, “San Gabriel Mission athletic director and coach Jaime Preciado said. “Frankie loved softball and Alverno. He was very passionate and (a) competitive man and I had a blast competing against him for five years. I will miss him.”

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